Overhaulin'

Would you rip out the air conditioning on a classic, or muscle car?

I have stock air in a 73 Duster. It's all in the way, and I hate it. It makes the engine look cluttered and messy as well. ON THE OTHER HAND.... I'm afraid that some day it might decrease the value of the car. Could I just keep the parts? I'm not sure? Any one else face this dilemma? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. You could just remove the compressor and the other accessories relating to the a/c and keep them in your garage. Sure, I would really consider removing the a/c, especially (well, probably only) if it didn't work properly. By removing it, you can add around 10-20HP. If you keep the a/c and all the parts, then you needn't worry about decreasing the value of the car. All you would have to do is put them back on, and voila!
2. Now that I am older and wiser I would not remove the air conditioning. You loose horsepower when the engine is running and the compressor is on, If you have the a/c switched off there will be no horsepower lose. You also have to think about those days when it is horrible out and just having the windows open isn't cutting it. A/C also helps those fogged up windows clear up quicker on those muggy raining days If you remove the A/C and there is freon in the system, you will violate the Federal Clean Air Act if the freon is not properly recycled. Again, I would keep it and work around the a/c while doing repairs.